YEREVAN. - The Ambassador of France to Armenia Henri Reynaud granted the Order of the Legion of Honour to the nurse of Armenian Ashotsq village hospital, Frenchwoman Marie-Noelle Locatelli, Armenian News - NEWS.am reports.

Marie-Noelle Locatelli heard about Armenia in 1977, when she was in Lebanon helping local Armenians, who suffered from civil war. Locatelli had no connection to Armenia but in 1988 she decided to visit Armenia’s Shirak region that suffered from the earthquake. Marie-Noelle Locatelli, who first arrived as a volunteer, later decided to move to Armenia and for the last 23 years she lives in Armenia’s Ashotsk, where she works as a nurse in local hospital.

The family member of Marie-Noelle Locatelli told Armenia News - NEWS.am that she does not have Armenian roots - she has French and Italian origin - and her parents live in Lebanon. Although, it is hard for a foreigner to live in Armenia, Locatelli does not regret about her decision. French lady also communicates with Italian and French families to help find sponsors for poor families in Armenia, who need medical service.

“In Ashotsq, all love me very much,” Locatelli added.